SIU Foundation

08/27/2026

What does the future of food and agriculture look like, and how are women helping shape it?

That’s just one of many exciting topics we’ll explore during the Women’s Empowerment Conference on Friday, Sept. 11, as part of the 5th Annual Saluki Women’s Weekend.

“Seeds of Security: Women, Food, and the Future” will bring together perspectives from farming, business, education, media and community leadership to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of food and agriculture.

Moderator:
Dr. Kristina Boone, dean of the SIU College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences
Panelists:
Emily Sharkey, SIU alumna, farmer and head producer of A Shot of Ag and SharkFarmer Media (The Shark Farmer)
Karen Schieler, SIU alumna and manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial
Michelle Aycock, owner of Aycorp, Delta South Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, and Bernie Farmers
Haley Bode, SIU student in agricultural systems and education and Union County Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom coordinator

Join us for this conversation and a full day of speakers, panels, networking and professional development centered on this year’s theme, Cultivate. Connect. Lead.

📅 Friday, Sept. 11
📍 Tedrick Welcome Center at SIU
🎟 Free to attend

Register today at siuf.org/saluki-women.
Presented by Moneta and SIU Credit Union.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Alumni Association
SIU College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences
Union Co. Ag in the Classroom

08/27/2026

In Season 2, Episode 1 of The Impact Report, we spotlight Professor Sean Boyle, who has spent 30 years teaching and inspiring students in SIU’s Automotive Technology program.

From automatic transmissions and diagnostics to the latest developments in electric vehicles, Professor Boyle brings his research and industry expertise directly into the classroom. Recently promoted to full professor, he is the first Automotive Technology faculty member to achieve that rank.

His expertise extends beyond SIU. This summer, Professor Boyle traveled to Australia to present on electric vehicle technology and safety, including to the Victorian government.

Congratulations to Professor Boyle on his promotion, and thank you for 30 years of dedication to SIU and generations of Automotive Technology students.

Watch this segment and more from The Impact Report: siuf.org/impact-report

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU College of Health & Human Sciences
SIUC Automotive Technology Department

08/26/2026

A special thank you to the Carbondale Branch AAUW, our Friends Sponsor, and Hangar 9 and WSIU Public Broadcasting (WSIU Public Television and WSIU Public Radio), our In-Kind Sponsors, for supporting the 5th Annual Saluki Women's Weekend!

📅 Sept. 10-12, 2026
📍 Tedrick Welcome Center at SIU
🎟 Free registration: siuf.org/salukiwomen

We're grateful to the AAUW Carbondale Branch for supporting a weekend focused on leadership, networking and mentorship, and to Hangar 9 and WSIU Public Broadcasting for contributing their resources and expertise to this year's event.

Thank you for your partnership and support!

5th Annual Saluki Women's Weekend Sponsors
Premier Sponsors | Moneta and SIU Credit Union
Gold Sponsor and Media Sponsor | River Radio (New Country Z100 Radio, Today's Hit Music 101.5 CIL-FM, 95.1 STEVE FM, 103.5 ESPN Southern Illinois, Newsradio WJPF)
Silver Sponsors | TJ's Fine Jewelry & Repair and Deaconess Illinois
Maroon Sponsors | Midland States Bank, Ward 5 Alderwoman Lakeisha k Purchase, Tonnette R. Williams and Pizza and Pasta Express
Mentorship Brunch Sponsors | Southern Illinois Healthcare, Dawn Korte, Ph.D., and Align Wealth Management
Welcome Reception Sponsors | Midland States Bank and Melissa Hahn
EmpowerHER Grant and WLC Mentee Scholarships Sponsor | Legence Bank
Networking and Celebration Ice Cream Sponsor | American Farm Mortgage & Financial Services
Office of Innovation and Economic Development Women's Business Acceleration Award Sponsor | Powers Engineering
Community Partner Sponsors | St. Nicholas Brewing Company, Compeer Financial and First Mid Bank & Trust
Friends Sponsor | AAUW Carbondale Branch
In-Kind Sponsors | Hangar 9 and WSIU Public Broadcasting

08/26/2026

In Season 2, Episode 1 of The Impact Report, we caught up with SIU alumnus Curt Lewis ’13 at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he gave us a look inside the Wabbit Express, a historic C-47 aircraft.

C-47s played an important role during World War II, transporting troops and supplies, dropping paratroopers and towing gliders. Today, Curt helps keep that history alive by flying the Wabbit Express around the country when he’s not working as a full-time pilot for a major airline.

Curt credits his time at SIU with giving him the skills he needed to build his career in aviation. “Being able to go to SIU was awesome,” Curt said. “I just, I loved everything about it.”

Thank you, Curt, for giving us a look inside this incredible aircraft and for helping preserve its history.

Cheers to Curt and all our Salukis in aviation doing amazing things!

Watch this segment and more from The Impact Report: siuf.org/impact-report

Aviation at Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Alumni Association
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU College of Health & Human Sciences

08/26/2026

On Aug. 16, New Student Convocation began at the Tedrick Welcome Center, where SIU’s newest students gathered before making their way to Shryock Auditorium to officially mark the start of their Saluki journey.

After convocation, the celebration continued outside Shryock with the Chancellor’s Welcome Fest, bringing students together for music, food, games and plenty of Saluki spirit.

Welcome to Southern!

08/25/2026

A special thank you to St. Nicholas Brewing Company, Compeer Financial and First Mid Bank & Trust, our Community Partner Sponsors for the 5th Annual Saluki Women's Weekend!

📅 Sept. 10-12, 2026
📍 Tedrick Welcome Center at SIU
🎟 Free registration: siuf.org/salukiwomen

Thank you for your partnership and support!

5th Annual Saluki Women's Weekend Sponsors
Premier Sponsors | Moneta and SIU Credit Union
Gold Sponsor and Media Sponsor | River Radio (New Country Z100 Radio, Today's Hit Music 101.5 CIL-FM, 95.1 STEVE FM, 103.5 ESPN Southern Illinois, Newsradio WJPF)
Silver Sponsors | TJ's Fine Jewelry & Repair and Deaconess Illinois
Maroon Sponsors | Midland States Bank, Ward 5 Alderwoman Lakeisha k Purchase, Tonnette R. Williams, and Pizza and Pasta Express
Mentorship Brunch Sponsors | Southern Illinois Healthcare, Dawn Korte, Ph.D. and Align Wealth Management
Welcome Reception Sponsors | Midland States Bank and Melissa Hahn
EmpowerHER Grant and WLC Mentee Scholarships Sponsor | Legence Bank
Networking and Celebration Ice Cream Sponsor | American Farm Mortgage & Financial Services
Office of Innovation and Economic Development Women's Business Acceleration Award Sponsor | Powers Engineering
Community Partner Sponsors | St. Nicholas Brewing Company, Compeer Financial and First Mid Bank & Trust
Friends Sponsor | AAUW Carbondale Branch
In-Kind Sponsors | Hangar 9 and WSIU Public Broadcasting (WSIU Public Television and WSIU Public Radio)

08/25/2026

In Season 2, Episode 1 of The Impact Report, we’re celebrating a historic year for the SIU Foundation.

During FY26, the SIU Foundation raised a record-breaking $54 million for SIU, marking the most successful fundraising year in the organization’s history and a 40% increase over the previous year.

That generosity is making a direct difference for students. In FY26, the Foundation awarded a record $6.9 million in scholarships, $1.3 million more than the previous year. The awards supported more than 2,200 students, nearly 19% of the student body.

SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec joins us to break down the historic year and share how the generosity of alumni, donors and friends is supporting students, faculty and programs across the university.

“No matter what the gift size is, it could be a $200 book fund. It could be a full scholarship,” Kupec said. “But to the student receiving it or the faculty getting the award, you become the world because you’re changing their lives.”

Thank you to our alumni, donors and supporters whose generosity continues to make a difference at SIU.

Watch this segment and more from The Impact Report: siuf.org/impact-report

Read more about this historic year and its impact: https://blog.siuf.org/?p=5174

08/25/2026

Thank you to KFVS12 and Heartland News for welcoming Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for affinity philanthropy and strategic initiatives at the SIU Foundation, for a live interview about the upcoming 5th Annual Saluki Women's Weekend!

Watch the interview to learn more about what’s planned for Sept. 10-12 as we celebrate five years of connection, leadership, philanthropy and mentorship.

Registration is free: SIUF.org/saluki-women

Watch the interview:
https://www.kfvs12.com/2026/08/18/siu-carbondale-celebrate-5th-annual-saluki-womens-weekend-sept-10-12/

Become a sponsor of Saluki Women’s Weekend and help inspire the next generation of Saluki leaders. Your support creates opportunities for women to connect, grow and lead while making a lasting impact on students and alumni.

08/24/2026

In Season 2, Episode 1 of The Impact Report, we celebrate five graduates of SIU’s Able Flight program who earned their pilot wings at the world’s largest air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Able Flight at SIU, a national nonprofit program, gives people with disabilities the opportunity to earn their pilot’s license through an intensive summer training program. The wing pinning ceremony marked the final celebratory step in a summer filled with dedication, perseverance and achievement.

“It’s just this whole program, I have to say, it’s life-changing,” one graduate shared. “I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, especially given the challenges in my way.”

Chancellor Austin Lane and Dr. Robert Morgan, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, joined the celebration to congratulate the new pilots and recognize their accomplishments.

As Able Flight celebrates its 20th anniversary, SIU is proud to serve as the program’s home base and help provide opportunities for aspiring pilots to achieve their goals.

Congratulations to all five graduates on earning their wings!

Watch this segment and more from The Impact Report: siuf.org/impact-report

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU College of Health & Human Sciences
Aviation at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

08/24/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Saluki Woman of the Year Award recipients! As part of the 5th Annual Saluki Women's Weekend, we will celebrate four remarkable women whose leadership, service and commitment to others are making an impact at SIU and in communities near and far.

Saluki Woman of the Year | The Honorable Christy Solverson
A two-time SIU alumna and retired Resident Circuit Judge and Presiding Judge of Jackson County, Solverson dedicated more than 20 years to the bench. Her leadership has shaped programs across Jackson County and the Illinois judicial system, and she continues to give back as a mentor to young women and the SIU Women's Leadership Council.

Trailblazer Award | Quianya Enge
An SIU alumna, educator, social entrepreneur and community leader, Enge is the founder and executive director of Beyond the Walls The Movement and CEO of HEALing SoIL Boutique Farm. Her work brings together restorative justice, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship and community development to create opportunities for women and families.

Emerging Leader Award | Jacari Henderson
A Carbondale native and SIU alumna, Henderson serves as director of the Saluki Cares Program at SIU. Through her work on campus and extensive community service, she has built a record of mentorship, advocacy and leadership focused on supporting students and strengthening her community.

Rising Star Award | Anahit Amiri
A doctoral student in wildlife conservation at SIU, Amiri brings together her passions for science, community engagement and advocacy. She helped establish the Multicultural Empowered Women Student Association and currently serves as president of Graduate Assistants United and the Iranian Student Association.

Join us as we recognize these outstanding women during the Farm-to-Table Philanthropy & Saluki Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon at the 5th Annual Saluki Women's Weekend, Sept. 10-12 at the Tedrick Welcome Center. Register to secure your spot at siuf.org/saluki-women